Cards Swap Bottenfield for Edmonds

After winning 18 games for the Cardinals last season, Kent Bottenfield is headed to Anaheim. Cards GM Walt Jocketty made his second deal of the spring a major one, shipping Bottenfield and second baseman Adam Kennedy to the Angels in exchange for outfielder Jim Edmonds. Edmonds missed most of last season after hurting his shoulder while lifting weights. When healthy, he’s been very productive. In the four seasons before 1999, Edmonds averaged .298 with 28 homers and 86 RBI per season. He also has won two gold gloves in center field. The Angels desperately needed pitching. They get Bottenfield, who led the Cardinals with 18 wins a year ago. His departure opens up a spot in the rotation for Garrett Stephenson, who has had a great spring. Kennedy is considered a top prospect at second base, but was stuck in the minors with the Cardinals.